As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its third week, CNN Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller has laid out what he believes are the three biggest challenges facing investigators.
1. The safety of the victim. Guthrie is 84 years old, has a pacemaker, and needs daily medication, according to authorities and her family. “The victim comes first,” Miller said. “Right now, when it comes to how the victim is, where the victim is, and what condition the victim is in, is a blind spot for (investigators).”
2. Investigators are buried in leads. The tens of thousands of tips generated in the case is both good and bad for law enforcement. But wading through the influx takes time. “As we’ve learned time and again, sometimes it is the more obscure lead that may end up further down in the pile that has the answer in it,” Miller said. “The only way to get there is to go through them as fast and thoroughly as possible.”
3. Investigators are operating in a fishbowl. The high-profile nature of the kidnapping of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother has brought an enormous amount of scrutiny and media attention, which makes it difficult for authorities to hold back information. “One of the risks to an investigation like this is – much of it has to be done behind the curtain, (and) it’s important that certain things don’t leak out,” Miller said.
Read more about the challenges.
Listen to the latest plea from “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.
Savannah Guthrie makes new plea for missing mom’s return
Savannah Guthrie makes new plea for missing mom’s return
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